Zachary, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

The most helpful mindset for improving my work has been to see myself as an artist rather than a subcontractor or stone mason. When you think of your work as being just another cog in the construction wheel, it can feel tedious. Looking at yourself as an artist – that encourages experimentation. It gives freedom to stray from that which is normal in order to find something that really catches people's attention.

For example, in trying to find the most striking way to lay stone, I fit the stones together tight, removing the traditional mortar that fills space in between the stone. Using this technique with round river rock is what really sets my work apart from traditional masonry. I have met many clients that had a dislike of river rock until they saw how I put it together. All this is made possible by seeing my work as a blank canvas that I get to cover with stone.

Zachary, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a stone mason. Although my life has taken me to many unexpected places, I’ve spent the most amount of time laying stone. I started with my dad when I was 10. He taught me everything I know about masonry, and we enjoyed working together for many years. After college, when I wanted to start my own business, masonry was the industry that I knew.

Since 2008, Miller Stoneworks has been building unique and special stone creations. While most of my work is in the Pacific Northwest, I do travel anywhere for unique projects. One of my favorite aspects of the job is helping clients discover what is possible with stone. I typically spend several hours over multiple meetings with clients just to talk through all the various types of stones and applications. This formation of a relationship with clients is so important.

For example, I recently built a fireplace for a couple that had a very specific set of requirements for the project. They had an old family cabin fireplace they wanted to base the shape and stone off of, but they also wanted to utilize local materials. After several meetings, I was able to build something that brings them so much joy. When finished they told me how the fireplace not only stands as a centerpiece to their home, but how it makes them feel like they are back with family at the cabin. Here is an easy way to sum it up – when my clients are happy, I am happy.